10 of the most romantic UK bookshops

If you’ve fallen for a fellow lover of literature, a bookshop could be the perfect date location. eharmony has teamed up with Books Are My Bag to find the top 10 most romantic bookshops for a date

Waterstones Piccadilly

Europe’s largest bookshop, Waterstones Piccadilly, is set in a stunning art deco building in the heart of London’s West End. It’s a book lover’s dream, featuring over 200,000 titles across eight miles of bookshelves, as well as a selection of first editions. Head to Café W for a casual coffee or visit the top floor 5th view restaurant and cocktail bar – with its panoramic London views, it’s the ideal setting for an evening date.

Jaffé and Neale

Overlooking Market Square in Chipping Norton, Jaffé and Neale is a beautiful bookshop with a bustling café. The menu is stacked full of Aga-baked cakes and includes everything from a classic Victoria Sponge to a delicious gluten-free Clementine Cake and the epic Fifty Mile Fruit Cake. Be sure to fuel both body and mind before setting out on a romantic walk in the Cotswolds.

Books for Cooks

Books for Cooks is a Notting Hill institution and is home to thousands of tasty titles for culinary masters and keen amateurs alike. It’s a great date spot for foodies. Don’t miss the Test Kitchen, where the resident chefs use seasonal ingredients (picked up at Portobello Market) to create recipes from the cookbooks in stock.

Foyles

The flagship Foyles store on Charing Cross Road is one of the UK’s largest bookshops. Found in the heart of London’s theatreland, Foyles is home to 200,000 titles, housed across four miles of bookshelves. The space is filled with natural light and you and your date could easily spend hours exploring its four floors. End your date at the popular fifth floor café, which serves a range of breakfast and lunch options.

Foyles, 107 Charing Cross Road, London WC2H 0DT, foyles.co.uk

Mainstreet Trading Company

Mainstreet Trading Company bookshop, café and deli in the Scottish Borders is a must-visit destination. Founded by Bloomsbury’s former marketing director (who worked on the Harry Potter books from the beginning), the shop is made for literary lovers. And if that doesn’t tempt you, the café is sure to impress. Think a menu that includes butternut and cinnamon soup, wild boar sandwiches, locally-sourced wine and craft beers. The homemade cake comes highly recommended (the Chocolate and Guinness cake and gluten-free Tunisian cake are firm favourites!)

Aardvark Books

Located in the Herefordshire hills, Aardvark Books is set in a 19th century barn and offers a large selection of new and rare books (50,000 titles and counting!) There’s also a cosy café serving a variety of soups and toasties, Fairtrade teas, hot chocolate and homemade cakes. If you’re looking for a first date with a difference, check the programme of regular author events and art exhibitions – there’s sure to be something that suits both your tastes.

Booka Bookshop and Café

The award-winning independent bookshop Booka is located in the thriving market town of Oswestry, on the border of Shropshire and Wales. A destination bookshop, Booka is known for its high-quality selection of books and diverse author events. It’s the perfect setting for a relaxed date. Browse the shelves before sharing a pot of tea and slice of homemade cake in the on-site café.

Octavo’s Book Café and Wine Bar

Octavo’s Book Café and Wine Bar can be found in the heart of Cardiff’s creative quarter. Its popular café serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, alongside an extensive wine list. It also holds Sunday Sessions of music and poetry every fortnight – the perfect choice for a romantic afternoon date.

London Review Bookshop

Set in Bloomsbury, the London Review Bookshop is a place for people who love books to meet, talk and browse the bookshelves. The Cake Shop Gallery is a modern answer to London’s long-lost literary coffeehouses, serving cakes inspired by books, extraordinary lunch options, and excellent tea and coffee.

Richard Booth’s Bookshop

With its cosy cinema, diverse literary events programme, and café serving a regularly updated menu, Richard Booth’s Bookshop is a great date location. Located in Hay-on-Wye, Richard Booth’s offers an eclectic book selection. This town is a literature lover’s dream and there are more than 20 other bookshops to explore within walking distance!